Complete Guide to Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
The Way of Vézelay (Vía Lemovicensis) starts from the basilica of Vézelay in Burgundy, France to the Pyrenees. A historic route through the center of France to Santiago.
Last updated: 28/03/2026
Table of Contents
Technical Summary of Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
870 km
Distance
35
days
38
Stages
Media
Difficulty
148 accommodations available on the route
Introduction to Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
All Stages of Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
Complete route divided into 38 stages
Vézelay - Saint-Germain-des-Bois (Nievre)
Leaving beautiful San Sebastián, this stage enters the Guipuzcoan coast. The route is a continuous rise and fall through hills and cliffs, with spectacular views of the sea. It's a day of great beauty...
Saint-Germain-des-Bois (Nièvre) - Champlemy
This stage continues along the Guipuzcoa coast, on a route that combines interior sections with spectacular views of the sea. It is a beautiful day that crosses the txakoli vineyards and charming vill...
Champlin - Charity, Illinois
This stage leaves the coast to venture into the mountains of Vizcaya. The route is a continuous up and down through a landscape of forests and farmhouses. It's a day of great beauty and physical deman...
Charity-on-the-Loire - Baugy
This stage continues through the mountains of Vizcaya, on a route of great beauty and demand. The path crosses the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a natural environment of great value. Arrival in Gernika-...
Baugy - Bourges
This stage is an on-going rise and fall through the hills preceding Bilbao. It's a demanding but beautiful day. The route goes through a rural and solitary landscape that contrasts with the approachin...
Bourges - Chârost
This stage is an enjoyable ride that brings the pilgrim to the great city of Bilbao. The route is a gentle descent through the Asua valley. Arrival in Bilbao, with its impressive Guggenheim Museum, ol...
Chastour - Neuvy-Paillou
Leaving behind the monumental Bilbao, this stage follows the course of the estuary until its mouth into the sea. The route is flat and urban, crossing the old industrial zone of the estuary. Arrival i...
Neuvy-Pailloux - Châteauroux
This stage says goodbye to the Basque Country to enter Cantabria. The route is a continuous rise and fall through cliffs and beaches, with spectacular views of the sea. It's a day of great beauty and ...
Châteauroux - Velle
This stage continues along the Cántabrian coast, on a route that combines interior sections with breathtaking views of the sea. It is a beautiful day that passes through charming villages and golden s...
Velles - Argenton-sur-Creuse
This stage combines a boat trip across the Bay of Santoña with a coastal walk. It's a day of great beauty and originality. After the boat, the path crosses beaches and cliffs until it reaches the Bay ...
ArgentonsurCreuse - Gargilesse
Leaving behind the elegant Santander, this long stage enters into the western coast of Cantabria. The route is a continuous up and down through meadows and hills, with views to the sea. It's a day of ...
Gargilesse-sur-Creuse - Crozant
This stage continues along the western coast of Cantabria, on a route that combines interior sections with spectacular views to the sea. It is a day of great beauty, which passes through towns with ch...
Crosant - The Underground
This stage says goodbye to Cantabria and enters Asturias. The route is a continuous up and down through cliffs and beaches, with spectacular views of the sea and the Picos de Europa. It's a day of gre...
The Underground Railway - Benevento Abbey
This stage continues along the eastern coast of Asturias, on a route that combines interior sections with spectacular views of the sea. It is a beautiful day, which crosses charming villages and wild ...
Bénévent-l'Abbaye - The Bridge of Dognon
This stage moves away from the coast to venture into the interior of Asturias. The route is a continuous rise and fall through hills and valleys, with a beautiful landscape. It's an demanding but rewa...
The Bridge of Dognon - Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat
This stage offers two variants, one along the coast and the other in the interior. Both are of great beauty. The coastal variant is longer, but offers spectacular views of the sea. Arrival at Gijón, t...
Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat - Limoges
This stage connects the two main coastal cities of Asturias. The route is mainly industrial and urban, a landscape that reflects the region's working-class history. It is a transition day, which allow...
Limoges - Les Cars
Leaving behind the industrial Avilés, this long stage enters into the western coast of Asturias. The route is a continuous rise and fall through hills, forests and beaches. It's a day of great beauty ...
The Shell
This stage continues along the western coast of Asturias, on a route of great beauty. The path traverses a landscape of cliffs, forests and meadows, with spectacular views of the sea. It is a day to e...
The Shell - Thiviers
This short and pleasant stage takes the pilgrim to the beautiful coastal town of Luarca. The route is a gentle descent to the coast. The brevity of the day allows you to arrive in time to explore Luar...
Thiviers - Sorges
This long stage is an authentic challenge that leaves Asturias to enter Galicia. The route is a continuous up and down through the coastal plain, with spectacular views of the sea. It's a day of great...
Sorges - Perigord
Leaving the coast, this stage enters into the interior of Galicia. The route is a continuous ascent to the mountains, with a landscape that becomes more mountainous and rural. It's a day of great beau...
Perigueux - Douville
This stage continues into the interior of Galicia, on a route that combines mountain sections with flatter areas. It is a beautiful day that crosses the Terra Chá region. The arrival in Vilalba, a med...
Dordogne - Dordogne
This short and pleasant stage enters the Terra Chá region, a vast grassland of great beauty. The route is flat and passes through a landscape of meadows, forests, and small villages. It's a day to enj...
Bergerac - Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
This long stage is a true challenge that says goodbye to Terra Chá and ventures into the province of A Coruña. The route is a continuous up and down through a rural and solitary landscape. It's a day ...
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande - Saint-Ferme
This stage joins the Camino del Norte with the Camino Francés. The route is an enjoyable stroll through rural Galicia. Arrival in Arzúa, land of cheese, is a moment of great excitement as it marks the...
Saint-Ferme - La Réole
The first stage of the Primitive Way is one of the most demanding. The ascent to Alto del Escamplero puts the pilgrim's strength to the test. It is a day of great beauty, that traverses the valleys an...
The Roelle - Auros
This stage continues through the valleys and mountains of Asturias, on a route of great beauty and demand. The path crosses forests and villages with charm. Arrival in Salas, a medieval village with a...
Aurillac - Bazas
This is a mountain stage that ascends to the summit of La Espina. It's an demanding day, but of great beauty. The route goes through a landscape of forests and meadows, with spectacular views of the A...
Basques - Breton
This is one of the most difficult and beautiful stages of the Primitivo Way, the crossing of Palo Port. It's a high mountain day with considerable elevation gain and spectacular scenery. It's an itine...
Capbreton - Roquefort (Landes)
This stage continues through the mountains of Asturias on a route of great beauty and demand. The trail ascends to the Puerto del Palo, the highest point of the Primitivo Way. It is a high mountain da...
Roquefort (Landes) - Mont-de-Marsan
This stage is a spectacular descent to Salime Dam. The path crosses a beautiful landscape with stunning views of the dam and mountains. It's a journey to enjoy nature and the solitude of the road. Arr...
Mont-de-Marsan - Saint-Sever
This stage says goodbye to Asturias and enters Galicia. The route is a continuous ascent to the top of Acebo, the entrance to Galicia. It's a day of great beauty and physical demand. Arrival in A Fons...
Saint-Sever - Hagetmau
This stage continues through the mountains of Lugo, on a route of great beauty and solitude. The path traverses a landscape of forests and meadows, with spectacular views. It's a day to enjoy nature i...
Hagevort - Sault-au-Val
This long stage is an enjoyable descent into the monumental city of Lugo. The route passes through a rural and solitary landscape, which contrasts with the great city that approaches. Arrival in Lugo,...
Sainte-Foy-lès-Pontignac - Orthez
Leaving behind the monumental Lugo, this stage enters into Galician rural territory. The route is an enjoyable stroll through flat terrain, between forests and meadows. It's a day to enjoy the tranqui...
Orthez-Sauveterre
This stage joins the Primitivo Way with the French Way. The route is a continuous up and down through rural Galicia. Arrival in Melide, land of the octopus, is a moment of great emotion, as here pilgr...
Saint-Vincent-de-Puydeilhà - Ossau-Ézouls
This short and pleasant stage continues along the Camino Francés route. The journey is a continuous up-and-down through rural Galicia. Arrival in Arzúa, land of cheese, marks the end of a gastronomic ...
Key Towns of Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
The most important towns and cities on this route.
Vézelay
The "Eternal Hill" and starting point of the Via Lemovicensis. Its Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, is a spiritual beacon for pilgrims.
Saint-Germain-des-Bois (Nièvre)
250 mSmall village in the Nièvre department.
Champlemy
260 mTown in the heart of the Burgundy region.
La Charité-sur-Loire
180 mImportant Clunyese priority by the banks of the Loire.
Baugy
170 mTown in the department of Cher.
Bourges
Old capital of the Duchy of Berry and a monumental stop on the Via Lemovicensis. Its Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, World Heritage Site, is an absolute must-see.
Chârost
140 mTown in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
Neuvy-Pailloux
155 mTown in the Indre department.
Châteauroux
French city in the region of Berry. Châteauroux, with its castle and lively centre, is an enjoyable stopover on the Via Vézelay route, which offers all services to pilgrims.
Velles
160 mTown by the river Bouzanne.
Argenton-sur-Creuse
110 mThe Green Venice of Berry.
Gargilesse
160 mOne of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", refuge for artists.
History of Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
The origin of the route lies on Vézelay's "eternal hill". In the 11th century, Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Vézelay announced that they possessed the body of Saint Mary Magdalene, brought from the Holy Land. This claim in a time of fervent religiosity transformed the abbey into an international pilgrimage center. Kings, nobles, and people from all over Europe came to Vézelay, a place so sacred that sermons were preached on both the Second and Third Crusades. For many of these pilgrims, after venerating Magdalena, the logical next step was to continue their journey to the other great center of Western Christendom: Santiago's tomb in Compostela.
Thus, the Way of Lemovicensis was born, taking its name from the Limousin region (Lemosín in French) and its capital, Limoges, a crucial milestone on the route. From Vézelay, the route heads southwest and is characterized by dividing soon into two major branches that advance parallel for hundreds of kilometers before reuniting. The northern branch passes through the city of Bourges with its spectacular Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The southern branch passes through Nevers.
Both branches traverse the heart of France, a land of forests, hills, and meadows. They arrive at the Limousin region, where the city of Limoges, famous throughout Europe for its exquisite medieval enamels and the tomb of Saint Martial, its evangelist apostle, offered pilgrims an important urban center to rest and regain strength. The route continues southward, delving into the beautiful Périgord region known for its gastronomy and rich heritage. The city of Périgueux with its singular Saint-Front Cathedral, featuring Byzantine-inspired cupolas and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the context of the Caminos de Santiago in France, is another major gem on the route.
After almost 900 kilometers of travel, the Way of Lemovicensis reaches the foothills of the Pyrenees in French Basque Country. At the famous crossroads of Gibraltar near Ostabat, pilgrims from Vézelay met those coming by the Via Turonensis and the Via Podiensis. Together, they faced the final stretch to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the entrance to Spain via Roncesvalles.
The modern revival (designated as GR 654) of this route has revitalized a path that offers a more solitary and contemplative pilgrimage experience than other French routes. It is a journey through "deep France," rural and timeless France, an itinerary that allows pilgrims to connect with monastic history, Romanesque and Gothic art, and serene landscapes in the heart of the country, following the trail of a millennia-old devotion.
Accommodations on the Route
The Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis) has 148 verified accommodations along the entire route.
View Stages & AccommodationsPractical Tips for Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
Best Season
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons. Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
Physical Preparation
Train by walking progressively in the months before. Start with short distances and increase. Your body will adapt to the rhythm of the Camino.
What to Pack
Light backpack (max 10% of your weight), worn trekking shoes, breathable technical clothing, raincoat, sunscreen and basic first aid kit.
General Tips
Carry the pilgrim credential, stay hydrated, respect your pace, book accommodation in high season and enjoy the journey without rushing.
FAQ about Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
El Camino de Vézelay, también conocido como Via Lemovicensis, tiene una longitud aproximada de 870 km. Esta ruta atraviesa la Francia profunda y rural hasta llegar a los Pirineos.
Ourway Travel recomienda dedicar aproximadamente 35 días para completar el Camino de Vézelay, lo que te permitirá disfrutar plenamente del recorrido y las paradas culturales en ciudades como Limoges y Périgueux.
La mejor época para realizar el Camino de Vézelay es durante los meses de abril a junio y septiembre a octubre. Durante estas épocas, se disfruta de un clima agradable con temperaturas ideales entre 10°C y 25°C y una menor presencia de peregrinos.
El costo aproximado para realizar el Camino de Vézelay varía según las opciones de servicio que se elijan. En Ourway Travel, puedes optar por paquetes personalizados que incluyen alojamiento en albergues o casas rurales, así como asistencia durante todo el recorrido.
Un viaje organizado por Ourway Travel para el Camino de Vézelay incluye la gestión completa del itinerario, alojamiento asegurado en albergues y casas rurales, asesoramiento 24/7 durante todo el recorrido, envío de equipaje entre etapas y una credencial oficial de peregrino.
El Camino de Vézelay tiene una dificultad media, ya que atraviesa zonas rurales y montañosas. Se distingue del Camino Francés por su menor afluencia de peregrinos y la posibilidad de disfrutar de paisajes más tranquilos y menos turísticos.
El Camino de Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis) es una excelente opción para los peregrinos que prefieren caminos menos transitados, ya que ofrece una experiencia más tranquila y auténtica en comparación con rutas como el Camino Francés.
Ourway Travel te facilita la obtención de tu credencial oficial de peregrino. Simplemente debes solicitarla durante el proceso de reserva, y nosotros nos encargamos del resto, asegurándote que estés completamente preparado para comenzar tu viaje en el Camino de Vézelay.
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